In today’s educational landscape, professional development must be more than informative; it must be transformative. HFL Education’s Speaker Service offers schools, settings and trusts access to a diverse team of expert speakers who bring passion, insight and practical strategies to every session. Whether you’re planning an INSET day, a conference or a bespoke training event, our speakers can deliver high-impact learning experiences tailored to your needs.
A service built on expertise
The Speaker Service is designed to support educators across all phases – from early years to post-16 – and across a wide range of roles and responsibilities. Each speaker brings a unique blend of classroom experience, leadership insight and subject-specific expertise, ensuring that every session is grounded in real-world relevance.
Schools can choose from a menu of established topics or request bespoke sessions aligned with their strategic priorities.
Meet the speakers
Liz Shapland – Director of Education Services (Secondary) 
With over 25 years’ experience in education leadership, Liz has worked as an adviser and school improvement partner for HFL Education since its inception. She brings extensive experience in driving and supporting positive change with school leaders, as well as leading key strategic educational programmes and partnerships.
Liz channels her experience, both as a school improvement partner and as an English specialist, to support secondary school leaders in their drive to improve outcomes, addressing key factors that can limit achievement. Her sessions are ideal for senior and middle leaders, focusing on developing their school improvement strategy.
Anne Peck, Director of Education Services (Early Years and Primary) 
Anne’s focus is on primary and early years leadership. She supports headteachers and senior leaders in developing strategic approaches to curriculum, pedagogy and school improvement. Her sessions are ideal for leadership teams seeking to refine their vision and drive sustainable change.
Anne’s knowledge of small-school leadership is in high demand. She has recently contributed a keynote to the Hertfordshire Headteachers’ conference, as well as to the Small Schools Conference run by the Essex Primary Headteachers’ Association.
Paul Jenkins, Head of Secondary Curriculum Services 
As an experienced secondary headteacher, Paul offers a wide range of expertise, including attendance, developing classroom ethos and raising achievement among boys in secondary schools. His research-informed strategies help educators understand the barriers to engagement and success, offering practical solutions that can be implemented across departments. Paul presented a thought-provoking keynote at the Strengthening School-Parent Partnerships Conference 2025: Effective Engagement and Conflict Resolution. His session focused on how to engage parents to improve attendance.
Watch this space! Paul has been commissioned by Bloomsbury Publishing to write a book exploring attendance, from supporting parents to encouraging students. Release date: late 2026 or early 2027.
Penny Slater, Education Development & Partnership Lead 
A leading voice in English curriculum development, Penny specialises in reading fluency and its critical role in bridging decoding and comprehension. Her sessions offer practical strategies for embedding fluency into classroom practice across all key stages, making her a popular choice for literacy-focused INSETs and conferences.
“We invited Penny to speak at the RISE Conference. Penny informed and inspired in equal measure, delivering a session that was both thought-provoking and deeply practical … many delegates highlighted her talk as a standout moment of the day.” Andy Robinson, Deputy CEO of Sapientia Education Trust
Becky Cox, Head of Service (Secondary Leadership) 
Specialising in post-16 education, Becky supports sixth form leaders in enhancing outcomes and student experience. Her sessions cover curriculum planning, student voice and leadership development, making her a valuable resource for colleges and school-based sixth forms. Becky has been invited to speak at several events, including The Diocese of Westminster Academy Trust’s Pupil Premium Strategy Day, where she focused on writing an effective PP strategy. She has also contributed to governor events in both Hertfordshire and Peterborough.
Catherine Loake, Director of Business Services 
Catherine brings a strategic lens to operational and business services. Her expertise includes financial planning, HR and governance, helping schools and trusts align their operational practices with educational goals. Her sessions are particularly valuable for executive leaders and governors.
In October Catherine was a special guest on The Headteacher Update Education podcast. Catherine shared her expertise on how to manage complaints – an area of specialism that sees her in high demand.
Joanna Di Bella, School Effectiveness Adviser 
Joanna specialises in primary and early years leadership. Her experience spans large inner-city schools and those in rural and small urban settings, giving her a broad and insightful perspective on the challenges faced by school leaders. She is passionate and deeply knowledgeable about inclusion. As an experienced SENCO and school leader, Joanna brings a wealth of practical strategies to support teachers and leaders in reshaping the narrative around pupils facing disadvantage.
“Joanna delivers clear, empowering solutions with a compelling blend of incisive insight and genuine humour, making sessions with her highly memorable and genuinely helpful for both me and our entire staff.” Cheska Tyler, Headteacher, Cherry Tree Primary School, Hertfordshire
Tailored to your needs
We understand that no two schools are the same. That’s why our Speaker Service is designed to be flexible and responsive. Whether you’re looking for a keynote speaker for a large event or a facilitator for a small workshop, we will work with you to design a session that meets your specific objectives.
